Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics)
BSc (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
C400
Start dates
September 2023 / September 2024
Course length
Full time: 3 years, 4 years sandwich
Part time: part-time study is possible
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
Genetics and genomics is developing so rapidly that the printing of organs could make organ donation obsolete. Our Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics) degree blends molecular, genetic, genomic and broader biological studies.
You will have the flexibility to tailor the course to suit you. You can choose modules within the course to focus on animals, humans or cells. On this course you will:
- work with data from molecular lab techniques
- handle and analyse genomes
- develop the skills bioscientists need for this new era of genomics and big data.
We have a reputation for outstanding research work. The Oxford area is an important centre for the bioscience industry. We have world class research centres like the Nuffield and Churchill hospitals on our doorstep. So you can improve your employability with active engagement in the local bioscience sector. And we are home to the Oxford Brookes Student Bioinnovation Hub, an initiative to enhance engagement with the Life Sciences industry.
How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A Level: Including one A Level or a comparable Level 3 qualification in a science subject (e.g. Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology).
If you do not have a background in science, we encourage you to consider our Life Sciences foundation year taught at Abingdon and Witney College.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Application process
Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time international applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
There are some additional costs for the course including the purchase of a lab coat, safety goggles, stationery such as a lab notebook, printing and text books (though the library will have some copies). If the student opts for the placement year then there will be living costs associated with this year but we encourage students to seek a placement with a bursary or a paid placement to mitigate this. Work experience also may also incur travel costs.
Learning and assessment
Teaching focuses on applying theory in practical settings. You will focus on the application of fundamental biology to real life issues.
In Year 1 you’ll learn:
- scientific writing
- presentation
- numeracy skills
In Year 2 there are compulsory modules such as Data Carpentry and Interrogating Genomes. These cover bioinformatics and analysing large datasets.
Within Year 3 various modules develop Research literacy.
You will learn the skills needed for writing grant proposals or carrying out consultancy activity.
In the Advanced Genetics and Genomics module you will address a current research question in the biological sciences. You'll use the latest methodologies in Genetics and Genomics to develop your understanding of how the application of these techniques contribute to current advancements in research with the potential to transform society.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Throughout the course we focus on applying fundamental biology to real life issues. You will apply your knowledge in practical settings, either in the lab or out in the field.
You have the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills, including:
- molecular techniques (for example, for the study of DNA, RNA and proteins)
- bioinformatics
- advanced light and electron microscopy
- field-based methods for species and landscape assessment
- cutting edge methodologies for the study of evolution and developmental biology
Our teaching methods include:
- lectures
- practicals
- tutorials
- seminars
- surgeries
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Our assessment methods include:
- essays
- reviews
- examinations
- laboratory or field notebooks
- scientific reports
- posters
- oral presentations
You’ll reflect on your progress with assignment feedback together with your diaries.
Assessment is designed to shape and develop learning, not simply measure it.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
Our graduates have developed careers in a variety of stimulating roles in biological organisations. Some of our recent graduates are now working in the agro-chemical and biotech industries.
With this degree you will be highly employable. So you can capitalise on the increasing demand for biologists with a firm knowledge of the latest methodologies and theories in the field of Genetics and Genomics. Our students have a good record of gaining employment relevant to their degree. And employers value the graduate attributes developed at Brookes.
Some of our students choose to gain degree-level employment in a wide range of contexts including:
- management
- journalism
- the media.
Further study
Students have continued studying and gone on to gain postgraduate qualifications including PhDs or our MSc degree in Conservation Ecology or MSc Medical Genetics and Genomics.
Our Staff
Dr Daniela Santos Nunes
"I currently lead the Phenotypic Evolution and Adaptation research group, which focuses on molecular evolution, population genetics and evolutionary developmental biology."
Read more about DanielaFree language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Related courses
Information from Discover Uni
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.